A couples counseling overview
By Heather Hazzan, Oct 16, 2026
Why Does It Start with the Dishes?
In couples counseling, a multitude of topics come up session to session, but one topic that consistently comes up is the dishes. Why? Because that’s what we see daily: the dishes not done. It is easy to start there, with those stinky dishes piled up in the sink. Looking at them day after day reminds you, “This is not working.”
There’s something about this everyday chore that opens a dialogue about roles and expectations within the relationship. Of course, this conversation is bigger than the dishes themselves, but because this is such a huge topic, boiling it down to the dishes helps the couple identify maladaptive behaviors within the relationship. The dishes also open up the conversation about expectations within the relationship. How long has it been since you spoke with your partner about your expectations and theirs? I imagine if consistent arguments keep erupting, it has been a while or maybe never.
In couples counseling, couples can talk about everyday issues that can turn into bigger problems and often lead to resentment, not just the big issues. The Gottman method teaches couples to communicate positively and defuse conflict.
The Gottman Method
The little things matter
The Gottman method utilizing the Sound Relationship House assessment takes a closer look into the couples communication styles, life dreams, negative sentiment override, fondness and admiration for one another, life histories and more. The Gottman Method will assist you in strengthening conflict resolution skills, improve emotional & physical intimacy, build a deeper understanding of one another and create a deeper sense of shared meaning.
Trust and commitment
Couples counseling focuses on ways in which couples communicate with one another in order to build trust and commitment. According to Gottman trust and commitment are the pillars of the sound relationship house. Without trust and commitment the house falls. Communication is our building blocks for the trust and commitment pillars.
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place"
— George Benard Shaw
What you gain:
Every couple has a unique story that no one else can tell but them together. The Gottman method is a clinical, evidence-based approach to couples counseling. Understanding couples counseling can help partners recognize how better communication and conflict resolution can strengthen their relationship. Couples will learn to engage one another with positive communication skills and positive sentiment, and build fondness and admiration within the relationship. Couples counseling will help you improve your everyday interactions, build trust and commitment, and support you both in building shared dreams and memories for a lifetime.
What we offer:
Counseling sessions provided by Heather Hazzan, LCSW-S, a licensed clinical social worker with training in Gottman Levels One and Two.
All counseling sessions are online through Simple Practice, a HIPPA Compliant telehealth platform.
Flexible schedules to meet your scheduling needs.
Most major insurances accepted.
For any inquiries, please contact:
hello@knowyourworthcounseling.com Knowyourworthcounseling.com
Heather Hazzan, MSW, LCSW-S
is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas with over 17 years of experience. She specializes in individual and couples counseling, helping teens and adults manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges through evidence-based therapy.
